The month of May was looking very full before I even started. I was delighted to be at Holy Trinity Keith to License Jaqueline Kemp as Lay Reader and then the following day to attend St John’s Forres for a confirmation service. Both events were joyful and the fellowship was excellent. On the 13th I had a trip on the train down to Perth for a brief College of Bishop’s meeting, leaving me two hours to kick my heals at the station while I awaited the return train. The following morning we were off again this time to Ullapool where St Mary’s was celebrating 40 years of ministry. It was good to see so many people from the past who had come to give thanks. We had to dash back to Inverness as I was to meet with the senior officer of the Salvation Army worldwide who was meeting with others in Eden Court that weekend. The following day we had a wonderful series of services in the Cathedral to celebrate Pentecost.
The following week found me setting up camp in Edinburgh as I was to represent the Scottish Episcopal Church at the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Jane and myself duly presented ourselves at the opening meeting and from then on we were treated as friends and colleagues. We were present at the service in Gt Giles on the Sunday where I assisted with the intercessions, then made it over the road to Old St Paul’s in time for the Eucharist. We were entertained by the Mission Commitee, had drinks in the old parliament hall and I was called to speak on the Columba deceleration on the morning the Archbishop of Canterbury came to call (what I said can be found elsewhere on the Website). I have to say though it was good to get home on the Friday.
It didn’t get any quieter however. I had a Wedding to lead at St Regulas Cromarty on the Saturday, morning worship in Gordon Chapel, Fochabers on Sunday and a wonderful confirmation service in a very full Christchurch Huntly the same afternoon, we even managed to share in a birthday party at lunchtime. Now what next, oh yes +Quebec is on the way over.
